US cyclists wear masks in Beijing

Reuters reported today that some members of the U.S. cycling team arrive wearing anti-pollution masks. "I don't believe there was any statement trying to be made", said Andrea Smith, spokeswoman for USA cycling told the news agency.

A US Olympic team official confirmed that some of the cycling squad were wearing respiratory masks and did not want to comment any further on the matter.

Beijing's pollution problem has been a major cause for concern with Olympians and their coaches. Itailian team director Franco Ballerini had decided to offer housing outside of the Olympic village away from the city smog for the riders to give his team every chance to defend their title.